Indoor Bonsai Types
The basic types of Bonsai trees are the Mame (Ficus), Shoho, Kogar, Migna and the Kohaku. Mame means’mighty tree’. This is a medium sized tree which usually grows up to three meters tall and has a thick trunk and a slant growth. It is an adaptable plant and is best cultivated in the shade. Because of its flexibility the Mame can be trained into many different styles.
Shoho means ‘bitter melon’ and is a deciduous perennial plant which is good for indoor environments and produces a deep green color on maturity. It is very similar in appearance to a juniper. The leaves are large and dark green with some white hairs around the margins of the leaves. The flowers are very fine and trumpet shaped. One of the most recommended bonsai types for the bonsai enthusiast is the Shoho.
The Migna is a tropical-like Bonsai type which was developed from the Palmetto species found at the Mignano farms. The Migna species were deliberately crossed with the Palmetto bonsai tree to create the robust and beautiful Migna. The Migna can tolerate dry soil well and is best planted in direct sunlight and watered daily. The leaves are short and rounded and the flowers large and pendulous. Because of the popularity of the Migna species the Mame is now available in a variety of colors.
Shohin is a semi-evergreen shrub with straighter branches and upright growth habit. The name Shohin comes from the Chinese word for rays or light and is also what gives this Bonsai type its name. The branches of Shohin are usually kept straight and are used as planters when the plant is young. This Bonsai type will do well if kept indoors for the majority of the year.
An azalea is a deciduous Bonsai type that is easy to grow and maintain. They can be found in a variety of different colors when fully mature. Most of the azaleas that are grown are potted and will not do well outdoors. Azaleas are normally trained into a climbing habit when young. They are the most commonly found Bonsai types. Other common azalea Bonsai types are the Japanese Anemone, Ficus and the Double Spaded.
Juniper bonsai types are fast growing trees. They will tolerate some trimming around the edges of the branches. The junipers have small dark colored leaves that turn a silver gray when they turn yellow. Juniper bonsai trees should be potted into pots with holes in the bottom to allow for good root growth.
Another popular bonsai type is the Chinese Elm. It is a strong hardy tree that can be used to grow indoors. Its branches are twisted and there are many bonsai trees that have been named after this specific type of tree. The Chinese Elm Bonsai requires pruning and should be trained into a climbing habit when young. Some of the other types of Elm Bonsai include the Hybrid Chinese Elm, the Shasta Elms and the European Elms.
All the types of Bonsai trees can be found at your local nursery. There are many different styles of Bonsai to choose from and each one will suit your taste and the needs of your miniature garden. Each of the different types of Bonsai can be started from seed or cuttings. Your miniature garden will soon have a unique character of its own once you start growing and flowering its amazing flowers and foliage.
One of the most popular Bonsai type is the Chinese elm bonsai. The Chinese elm has beautiful flowers that will bloom all year round. This bonsai is perfect for the beginning hobbyist or experienced hobbyists. Because this type of tree grows very well, it is relatively easy to keep in a pot. When Bonsai beginners start growing this tree, they should prune regularly to keep the tree free of dead branches and old needles that will reduce the health of the plant.
The Chinese elm is another of the many indoor bonsai types that can be grown successfully indoors. The Chinese elm will require constant, moderate, direct sunlight to stay healthy. Many bonsai beginners keep their Chinese elm in a window box to get daily sunlight.
Other popular bonsai types are the maple bonsai, the Ponderosa bonsai, and the Leyland Cypress. These trees are available at your local nursery or from some of the reputable internet sites that carry tropical varieties of trees. It is important to remember that whatever tree you choose is not a Bonsai, it is still a tree. To keep your indoor bonsai healthy, it must be cared for like a regular tree.